30 Delish Buttermilk Recipes That Impress Without Stress 2021

If you’re seeking the most out-of-this-world buttermilk recipe to use up that big bottle of buttermilk in your fridge, you’ve found it! There’s a wide variety of dishes, from savory main courses to indulgent baked goods, that you can whip up with buttermilk.

Fingers crossed, this ingredient is the key to so many recipes. Thanks to its acidity, buttermilk acts as a leavening agent to make your desserts fluffy and light. Plus, it also adds a wonderful tang to almost anything it touches.

No need to let that buttermilk go to waste anymore! In fact, with these delightful recipes on hand, it’s such a doddle to win everyone around the table over. There’s a big chance this ingredient will become your next favorite pantry staple.

Before your stomach rumbles even louder, let’s dive into the finest buttermilk recipes out there!

List Of The 30 Best Homemade Buttermilk Recipes

There’s a chance that a big bottle of buttermilk sitting in your fridge will be rotten before you know it. Hence, here’re the best buttermilk recipes to ensure nothing goes to waste and dial your homemade meals up a notch or two!

Buttermilk Breakfasts

1. Buttermilk Banana Bread
2. Buttermilk Doughnut
3. Buttermilk Pancake
4. Buttermilk Waffle
5. Roasted Strawberry And Tahini Buttermilk Shake
6. Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Buttermilk Appetizers

7. Buttermilk Brioche Bun
8. Buttermilk Cucumber Salad
9. Charred Onion Dip
10. Fried Okra With Buttermilk Herb Sauce

Buttermilk Main Dishes

11. Buttermilk-Brined Roast Chicken
12. Buttermilk Fried Chicken
13. Buttermilk Mac And Cheese
14. Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumpling

Buttermilk Side Dishes

15. Buttermilk-Fried Ramp
16. Buttermilk Coleslaw
17. Green Bean And Tomato Salad With Buttermilk Dressing
18. Hush Puppies
19. Skillet Cornbread
20. Steak Salad With Chive Buttermilk Dressing

Buttermilk Desserts

21. Buttermilk Biscuit
22. Blueberry Buttermilk Bread
23. Buttermilk Ice Cream
24. Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Rhubarb-Strawberry Compote
25. Chocolate Zucchini Cake
26. Cinnamon Buttermilk Crumble Muffin
27. Dulce De Leche Buttermilk Cheesecake
28. Lemon Buttermilk Pie With Saffron
29. Lemon Buttermilk Chess Pie
30. Pecan Buttermilk Fudge

What Buttermilk Recipes Can I Make For Easy And Tasty Meals?

The delightfully tart flavor and creamy thickness are some of the reasons why buttermilk can make your favorite dishes even more heavenly. Grab these buttermilk recipes and treat your family to a scrumptious feast today!

Tasty Buttermilk Breakfast Recipes To Boost Your Energy

Filled to the brim with delicious flavors and nutritious to fuel you up for the day ahead, here are the best buttermilk breakfast recipes to have on hand.

1. Buttermilk Banana Bread

Looking for the best way to use up those overripe bananas in your fridge? You’ve come to the right place! This buttermilk banana bread recipe is easy to make, filled to the brim with delicious flavors, and delivers a punch of vitamins to help you kick-start the day.

The bread is baked to a golden brown for 40 minutes. And if the stunning color doesn’t make you week in the knees just yet, its wonderful aroma sure will. Thanks to buttermilk, its texture is rich, buttery, and super moist to every bite.

If you want to add a drizzle of chopped nuts to the bread, it’s best to skim down on the bananas. What’s even better, this heavenly banana dessert freezes well, so you can stash some for the next teatime or tasty, sweet breakfast.

2. Buttermilk Doughnut

Fingers crossed, buttermilk doughnuts are too irresistible for any folk out there. This homemade doughnut might be a bit of a project for the weekend, but it’s actually easier than it might seem, not to mention it taste way better than store-bought.

Essentially, this old-fashion doughnut is thick, pillowy, and coated in a simple glaze without being overly sweet. Whether with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for dunking, it’s sure to vanish in two minutes flat.

You can also toss these doughnuts into a cinnamon mixture or some powder sugar to suit your fancy. Either way, they’re best eaten hot and fresh. It’s safe to say that you won’t be able to stop munching after just one!

3. Buttermilk Pancake

No more sloppy pancakes in the morning! It’s time to step up your weekend breakfast game with this buttermilk pancake recipe. These delicious pancakes are light and fluffy without being overbearingly sweet, so you can eat them guilt-free for breakfast.

Not only does buttermilk gives your pancake a good lift as they cook, but it also adds the perfect subtle tang. With golden, well-defined edges and a tender, delicate center as you slice it in half, it’s a doddle for anyone to master this recipe.

For a classic signature look, add a drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of warm butter on top. These pancakes are so good; you’ll probably want to make them on a daily basis.

Discover more about how to make these fluffy buttermilk pancakes here!

4. Buttermilk Waffle

A cherished breakfast staple that never fails to put a smile on your face, these buttermilk waffles are perfect for kicking off your mornings. Much like in pancake batter, buttermilk is the key ingredient to giving these treats the light and fluffy texture that we all love.

With delightfully crispy edges and soft, tender centers, these brunch waffles are destined to steal the show. Whether you choose to make these with pre-made batter or from scratch, they’re ready to go in minutes.

The toppings are endlessly customizable. Serve them hot with melted butter, maple syrup, or a refreshing side of fresh berries. Once you pull up a chair and dive into it, you probably won’t be able to stop eating till the last bite.

5. Roasted Strawberry And Tahini Buttermilk Shake

Why decide between a milkshake and a smoothie when you can have both? This strawberry and tahini buttermilk shake is a nutritious beverage that doesn’t skimp on the flavors, so you can whiz it up to enjoy it any time of the day.

This summer drink calls for roasted strawberry, banana, tahini, buttermilk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. All of which are blended to develop a thick, creamy, and rich texture while remaining light and amazing natural flavor.

From a quick breakfast to a pick-me-up beverage, this beverage is great for any occasion. The nuttiness of tahini complements the sweetness of bananas and a light tang of strawberries. Take a sip, and the satisfaction will hit you right on the spot!

6. Traditional Irish Soda Bread

One of the easiest baked goods of all time, the classic Irish soda bread consists of wheat flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. For this recipe, instead of a leavening agent, buttermilk works its magic to create a phenomenal texture and give the bread its flavor.

With no rising time or proofing required, this yeast-free treat comes together in minutes. The moment you take a big fat slice, you can taste the nice, crispy crust and a dense, cakey texture, which is best served when it’s warm.

As with other types of bread, Irish soda bread isn’t meant to be eaten on its own. Traditionally, the most typical way to enjoy this treat is with a generous spread of butter or marmalade. Or else, it’s also great for soaking up meaty stews for a savory meal.

Mouth-Watering Buttermilk Appetizers For Your Next Party

Once these fantastic buttermilk appetizers hit the table at your next dinner party or cookout, you can prepare to receive a host of compliments and people asking for the recipe.

7. Buttermilk Brioche Bun

Unlike regular burger buns, buttermilk brioche bun is super enriched, soft, and light-textured. Its paper-thin crust and buttery, tender crumb make it a good match for all kinds of delicious burgers, sandwiches, toasts, and casseroles.

To recreate this delicious and easy egg recipe at home, combine butter, eggs, and buttermilk. For quality results, the dough tends to take three hours to rise until smooth and elastic. Hence, it’s best that you plan these buns beforehand.

For real baking geeks who are set to give your bun a nice presentation, as in those bakeries, brush it off with a little bit of egg wash and sprinkle some sesame seeds before putting it in the oven. Before you know it, you’ll be making these buns twice a week!

Made-from-scratch buttermilk brioche buns don’t get easier than this. Here’s how!

8. Buttermilk Cucumber Salad

A slight riff on the old-fashioned creamy cucumber salad, this recipe is the best way to make use of the summer haul. Fresh, thinly sliced cucumbers are drenched in a dressing of buttermilk, sour cream, some spices, and a drizzle of apple vinegar.

The end result? A fabulous salad with a silky, flaky texture with lots of satisfying crunches and a lovely flavor that’s sure to please your palate. Given how this dish is ready to go in less than 10 minutes, it can be your next go-to salad no matter what the calendar says.

To make this creamy salad work, the trick is to cut the cucumbers as thinly as possible, which allows them to fully absorb the dressing. If you’ve got some red onions, herbs, and fresh dills, don’t hesitate to add them in and cater the recipe to your taste.

9. Charred Onion Dip

When it comes to party appetizers, charred onion dip is always one of the first dishes to be emptied. To prepare this recipe, red onions are charred and combined with buttermilk, mustard, lots of herbs, and a dash of lemon juice.

As a result, this creamy dip has a beautiful complexity in flavor. It’s great for serving right away. However, since the flavor has a tendency to deepen as it sits, you can leave it overnight to achieve a more mouth-watering taste the next day.

It’s safe to say that charred onion dip is the ultimate accompaniment for potato chips. But it also goes well as a sandwich topping or with veggie salads. For your next summer potluck, bring this dish, and people will come at you requesting the recipe!

10. Fried Okra With Buttermilk Herb Sauce

Often referred to as the “popcorns of the South’, fried okra is a mouth-watering appetizer and side dish to any dining table. In this recipe, okras are dredged in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, spices, and salt before being deep-fried for a few minutes.

The end result is crunchy, golden, and completely irresistible. Then, a creamy and savory buttermilk herb sauce makes the perfect pair for this deep-fried dish. It’s also finger-friendly, so you can rest assured it’ll steal the show at any party.

For the most part, fried okra is often served in a traditional meal with other Southern courses like grilled burgers, beef, or green salad. If you prefer an extra kick, give it a small sprinkle of smoked paprika or minced chives before serving.

Satisfying Buttermilk Main Dish Ideas To Please Your Palate

It’s safe to say that no meal is completed without a savory, filling main course. From savory chicken recipes to comfort stews, I’ve got plenty of buttermilk main dish recipes that you can choose as your heart desires.

11. Buttermilk-Brined Roast Chicken

This roast chicken recipe is so succulent and flavorful; you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t make it any sooner. It’s fairly simple to make yet requires some prep time to come out as desired.

On the night before you cook the chicken, soak it completely in a special brine made of buttermilk, garlic, rosemary, and sea salt. For the best result, this should last overnight. Buttermilk helps the chicken achieve a perfectly balanced tang and a little extra crispiness.

Cooked for an hour, this roasted chicken turns out super moist, tasty, and seasoned to perfection. The gorgeous brown skin covers tender meat on the inside, making every bite feel like heaven in your mouth.

12. Buttermilk Fried Chicken

If you think buttermilk fried chicken is the ultimate dinner recipe, you’re not alone. To recreate this Southern-style recipe, you’ll need chickens, buttermilk, spices, flour, and lots of oil, basic ingredients that you likely have on hand.

Crispy, flaky on the outside yet super juicy and flavorful on the inside, these pieces of chickens are utterly addictive as you sink your teeth into them. Plus, buttermilk is the well-kept secret to tenderizing the chickens and seal better moisture.

For best results, you should give the marinade at least two hours so that the flavors will start soaking in. You can serve it with an easy side of green salad or simply relish the chickens as a standalone meal.

13. Buttermilk Mac And Cheese

Calling out all mac and cheese aficionados out there! It’s no secret that this classic food is the epitome of comfort food. Instead of regular sweet milk, the addition of buttermilk gives it a good thickness, rich tang, and a mesmerizing creamy finish.

Essentially, mounds of cheese tossed in with the pasta and bathed in an ultra-creamy sauce yields a satisfying mouthfeel. The whole thing takes an hour of cooking, but most of it can be made in advance to suit your schedule.

For those times when you simply don’t feel well, whip up a bowlful of mac and cheese. This classic dish is sure to keep your stomach full and your soul well-soothed. Some folks also like to top it with some veggies or bacon for extra crunch.

If you need help whipping up buttermilk mac and cheese at home, find it here!

14. Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumpling

As the chilly weather has well and truly set outside, opt for this Punjabi buttermilk stew to keep warm and carry on the whole winter. Essentially a satisfying one-pot meal, this buttermilk curry cooks up in an hour, so you can celebrate your night in with ease.

The best gravy is thickened with a long list of spices, giving it a complex, rich, and hearty flavor along with the tasty fried spinach dumplings. As you have a bite, you’ll taste the sharpness of garlic and the tanginess of buttermilk which really shine through.

No surprise, this filling meal is a big staple in North Indian households. With lots of ingredients involved, the stew takes some time to get ready. The good news is, you can make a huge pot of it and stash the leftover for the next meals.

Heavenly Buttermilk Side Dishes That Make A Good Fit For Anything

Don’t settle for boring, plain old salad. Instead, be a rock star on your dining table with these crazy easy yet flavorful buttermilk side dishes to make up the perfect meal.

15. Buttermilk-Fried Ramp

If you’re not sure what ramps are, you’re totally missing out on a tasty spring vegetable. For folks who haven’t discovered this food, it looks and tastes like scallions, except it yields a more pungently garlicky hint.

To recreate this dish, ramps are coated in a flour mixture and a buttermilk mixture, then fried for 2 minutes. Cooking the veggie this way adds so much dimension to the final dish. The delicate flavor of ramps is a great pair with the tart, rich taste of buttermilk.

Just a drizzle of salt and some lemon wedges are enough to make this recipe almost irresistible. With such a tasty and easy dish, you can serve it as an accompaniment or a quick, indulgent snack for whenever the craving strikes.

16. Buttermilk Coleslaw

Quick and mouth-watering buttermilk coleslaw is basically the perfect side dish for any meal. This basic recipe combines shredded cabbages, carrots, and onions in a big bowl. The mixture is then tossed in with a classic, creamy coleslaw buttermilk dressing.

Rather than vinegar, buttermilk is the key ingredient to add a slight tartness without making the coleslaw runny, which we all despise. The crispiness of veggies and creaminess of the dressing team up to create such a delightful salad that’ll blow your taste buds away.

When it’s hot as hades outside and the summer cookout season is arriving, buttermilk coleslaw is something that you’ll want to make again and again.

17. Green Bean And Tomato Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

As soon as summertime hits, this green bean and tomato salad deserves a high spot on your weekly menu. Presented here in this recipe are green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black peppers, all of which make up a beautiful and vibrant dish.

The colorful mixture is then poured over by a tasty dressing. For an extra crunch, bacon slices, mints, and basils are added at the end, just before serving. Toss away those boring ranches! An easy yet tasty buttermilk dressing will bine all the flavors together.

For this salad to hit the spot, you’ll want to use the freshest beans to give a tender snap in your mouthfeel. It’s quite easy to make in a flash. Plus, the simple salad pairs well with anything you want, from grilled meat to fishes for a fulfilling summer meal.

18. Hush Puppies

These timeless hush puppies have been passed down through generations. For this Southern recipe, a simple cornmeal batter of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika is mixed with buttermilk before being deep-fried into a skillet of hot oil.

The end result is bite-sized, golden-brown balls with a flaky, crunchy exterior that reveals a soft, tender center as you bite into them. At its best, these bits of goodness are so rich and decadent with a delightful hint of spice.

It’s a tradition in the South to pair hush puppies with seafood dishes and creamy coleslaws. Ready in minutes, this crowd-pleasing treat is virtually perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re pressed on time.

19. Skillet Cornbread

A tried-and-true classic that any Southerner takes pride in, skillet cornbread with chives serves as an amazing side or appetizer. This cornbread recipe is made in the traditional fashion: on a stovetop.

As for the base, this meal consists of a cornbread mix, chopped chives, buttermilk, and eggs. Cheddar cheese and jalapenos are occasionally added to give the dish an extra kick. The end product is sweet and bursting in corn flavor, not to mention it looks amazing.

When you slice through it, the cornbread has a light and fluffy texture, while the outer edges are super crispy, which is a result of cooking on a skillet. Served warm, this Southern comfort food is a good match for any main course.

Watch the video: Eager to dish up this skillet cornbread meal at home? The stage is yours!

You can see this video to know more:

20. Steak Salad With Chive Buttermilk Dressing

With this simple dressing recipe in your back pocket, you’ll probably never go back to those store-bought packets of ranch dressing again. Buttermilk dressing is slightly tart, low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for your salad.

It’s safe to say this one recipe is a template for whichever veggies you’ve got in your fridge. Toss some tender, juicy steaks, spring carrots, onions, sweet yellow peppers, tomatoes, and chives in a bowl. Then, mix it with the dressing and season well before putting it on the table.

All of these ingredients come together to create a repertoire of flavors and textures, yet just easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Besides steak salad, this buttermilk dressing goes well with basically any salad, even plain old lettuces!

Incredible Buttermilk Dessert Recipes To Satisfy A Sweet Tooth

Let’s be real. Most people have a huge affair with desserts. Hence, whip up these tried-and-true buttermilk desserts, and you can be sure to win the crowd over.

21. Buttermilk Biscuit

With the chilly months upon us, some sweet and mesmerizing buttermilk biscuits would be something you love to have on hand. The biscuits bring out a naturally sweet and buttery flavor and aroma, which pairs perfectly with the mild tangy hint of buttermilk.

From start to finish, this delight takes around 40 minutes. Thusly, if you’re serving it for breakfast, it’s best to prepare the dough beforehand so that you can bake it off quickly in the morning.

Fresh out of the oven, this treat has a soft and fluffy texture that’s easily pulled apart. Drizzle it with some maple icing for a final touch, and they’ll keep you gobbling down till the last crumb. For a savory treat, you can slice them in halves and stuff it with some fried chickens.

22. Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake

Nothing comes close to beating a delightful loaf of blueberry buttermilk cake when it comes to afternoon teatime. It’s moist, tender, and allows the fresh flavor of seasonal blueberries and vanilla to truly shine through.

Since the batter can be made beforehand, this stunning blueberry dessert makes a great addition to your sweet morning breakfast repertoire. The recipe doesn’t call for any yeast. In fact, its light and fluffy texture comes from the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk.

If you love a little hint of citrus in this treat, don’t be shy to drizzle it with some zesty lemon. Whenever your sugar craving strike, this sweet treat is something you’ll want to whip up.

23. Buttermilk Ice Cream

Let’s be real! Who doesn’t have an affair with ice creams? Luckily, these buttermilk ice creams are super easy to put together from scratch. In this recipe, a combination of whole eggs and cornstarch is used to create light-bodies custard that works great with buttermilk.

From the first bite, you can already tell that the overpowering flavor is buttermilk, with its rich, tangy, and refreshing taste that never fails to shine through. Plus, the texture is so silky and light, which somewhat resembles frozen yogurt.

There’s nothing like a scoop of ice cream or two during those hot summer days. This treat is absolutely wonderful on its own. However, for an extra dimension of flavor, you can sprinkle nuts or add a layer of fruit compote on top of it.

Beat the summer heat with this homemade buttermilk ice cream right here!

24. Buttermilk Panna Cotta With Rhubarb-Strawberry Compote

From the Fourth of July to Christmas feasts, panna cotta is an elegant and fancy dessert that’s destined to win the crowd over. In essence, this special treat is a silky custard-like pudding with a nice rhubarb-strawberry topping sitting nicely on top of it.

Visually, this panna cotta is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant pink color of the compote makes the perfect contrast to something as pale and delicate as the vanilla-flavored pudding. Sweet, sour, and delicate, this dessert is sure to give your taste buds an explosion.

If there’s a party coming up, you can definitely prepare this buttermilk custard dessert for your meal in advance. However, make sure to keep the custard, and the compote separated and only assemble them just before serving.

25. Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Moist, intensely flavorful, and super indulgent, chocolate zucchini cake is easily an all-time family favorite. Thanks to the shredded zucchinis, this dessert has incredible moisture yet no significant taste. I bet your kids won’t even notice any veggie flavor in it.

With layers of delicious chocolate cakes studded with cream cheese frosting, it’s a dream come true for any chocolate addict. The best part? This cake is whipped up with a handful of pantry ingredients like flour, buttermilk, cocoa, zucchini, and chocolate chips.

The chips and chopped walnuts scattered on top adds some extra crunch to the cake. The whole thing takes an hour to come together, including prep time. Thus, you can make a big cake and save the leftovers in the fridge for later.

26. Cinnamon Buttermilk Crumble Muffin

Whether as a breakfast fix or a luscious afternoon snack, these crazy cinnamon desserts are not to be missed. Thanks to buttermilk, these sweet little desserts are so soft, tender, and fluffy. Each bite is designed to melt the second it enters your mouth.

What’s even better, these muffins are packed with a good amount of cinnamon. There’s cinnamon both in the batter and the streusel, which infuse them with a wonderful fragrance that draws you to them even while they’re still in the oven.

No doubt, these incredible mini desserts have an excellent presentation to be at any party table. If you’re a big sweet tooth, don’t be shy with the butter, sugar, and sweet glaze on top of each muffin.

Let’s see the easiest way that you can bring cinnamon buttermilk muffins to life!

27. Dulce De Leche Buttermilk Cheesecake

There’re few things in life so mesmerizing, like a classic homemade cheesecake. This holiday-worthy dessert is one of a kind, with tons of flavors going on and perfectly complementing each other.

With each slice, you can taste the rich caramel tone of dulce de leche and the little tang of buttermilk. This show-stopping treat will be the center of attention at any dinner party or shared meal.

The whole process sure calls for lots of work and even several hours to chill before serving, but you bet your bottom dollar it’ll be so worth it. The best way to enjoy this heavenly dessert is alongside a hot bourbon-spiked coffee.

28. Lemon Buttermilk Pie With Saffron

Buttermilk pie is a Southern classic as old as time. The one thing that sets this dessert apart from the crowd is its wonderful fragrance that always rises to your nose, which comes from the combination of lemon and saffron.

In this pie, buttermilk gives it a lovely, refreshing tang while allowing the floral notes of saffron and the fresh flavor of lemon to shine through. With its rich and luscious filling wrapped in a crispy crust, it’s sure to win everyone over.

When you’re attempting this treat at home, a general rule of thumb is to blind-bake the crust so that it can ward off sogginess when the juicy filling is added. Let it cool off a bit, and you’re all set to relish one of the most fragrant desserts of all time.

29. Lemon Buttermilk Chess Pie

Born of convenience, lemon buttermilk chess pie is a basic dessert typically made with simple pantry ingredients. In essence, it’s a custardy pie with a luscious and silky filling wrapped by a flaky citrus crust.

There’re good reasons why this dessert is a staple in so many Southern bakeries. Unlike many baked goods, lemon chess pie doesn’t require prebaking, which makes it a breeze to put together even when you’re pressed on prep time.

Once it’s done baking, you should give it some time to cool off. Then, glide your knife through the delicate pie pastry and serve each side with a dollop of whipped cream. The subtle and incredibly sweet taste is likely to make this treat your new go-to dessert.

30. Pecan Buttermilk Fudge

Not just any ordinary confectionary, pecan buttermilk fudge yields the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. Visually, this unique treat is a creamy white fudge filled to the brim with well-toasted pecans.

The rich and heavenly fudges usually come out perfectly as in those candy shops and are often topped off with sea salt to complete the flavors. Bite by bite; this decadent treat will melt right in your mouth and keep you eating till the last crumb.

Rather than a casual after-meal dessert, pecan buttermilk fudges are more often made as a welcoming gift for the holiday season. Fudges pack easily and can be made one week in advance, so you can rest assured it’s a great fit for your next dinner party.

Prepare For Compliments And Emptied Dishes!

Once opened, buttermilk should last for about 2-3 weeks. That is all the time you need in the world to whip up the finest recipes using this fantastic ingredient. Trust me; these mouth-watering dishes satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.

It’s no secret that buttermilk is involved in a wide array of dishes across the world. This ingredient is a true tang gift to baked goods, meaty courses, and even creamy winter soups at their finest.

What’s your favorite way of using buttermilk in cooking? I would love to hear about your culinary experience. Now, pull up a chair and take time to savor every bite!